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Not the favored hiking route to the The Channels in spite of its name. Shorter at 3.2 mi (one way) when seasonal gates are open, but still lots of climbing.
This location is open all year for the entire 5.5 mile trail distance to The Channels. A gate is locked just past this point during the off-season. If the latter is open, then high-clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive could proceed up a couple of miles to an upper parking area to shorten the hike and climb. While the forest road is in great condition, low-clearance sedans would bottom out in the frequent water diversions.
An in-and-out hike. This description starts from the bottom, but seasonal access allows shorter round trip from upper parking lot.
Lower section is gravel forest road. Growth on both sides was likely mown in 2019. Past the upper logging workspace, the trail continues on unmaintained forest roads - mostly as a single track. Weeds, primarily stinging nettle, can be tall in places. Patches of red-flowering Indian Paintbrush also seen. All runoff crossings were easy to make - even after a hard rain the prior night.
The dark red blazes need to be refreshed. There are two places you need to make correct choices. First, at the logging workspace, the trail continues down an unmaintained forest road - roughly 10 o'clock from where you entered. Blazes are seen again several hundred feet down the trail. Second, at the tee-intersection with Brumley Mountain Trail with many Posted - No Trespassing signs, the desired route is to the right.
The Channels State Forest is open from dawn to dusk. No fee to park and walk the trail. No camping.
Head to Abingdon for an outdoor lunch in one of the many restaurants.
Managed by Virginia Department of Forestry (106 Forestry Lane / Galax, Virginia 24333). Phone: (276) 236-2322